Haley Secures $1 Million Following Trump Donor Warning, Yet Loses Key Funder

By Alexandra Ulmer and Tim Reid

(Reuters) – Nikki Haley’s campaign for the Republican presidential nomination announced it has raised $1 million following Donald Trump’s warning to her donors. Despite this financial boost, at least one major supporter has ceased contributions, citing Trump’s status as the de facto party nominee.

On Wednesday night, Trump threatened donors, urging them to withdraw support from Haley as he seeks to eliminate her from contention before the next major primary in South Carolina scheduled for February 24.

Metals magnate and Haley supporter Andy Sabin expressed in an interview that he believes the Republican race is effectively over, particularly after Haley’s inability to achieve a surprise victory in the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. "Haley needs to drop out. Regardless of what anyone tells you, her money is going to dry up. Why would you fund someone who you know has no chance?" Sabin stated on Wednesday evening.

Trump’s consecutive wins in both Iowa and New Hampshire have solidified his front-runner status in the Republican nomination process, positioning him for a likely rematch against Democratic President Joe Biden in November, despite facing four criminal prosecutions.

Another significant donor to Haley, Reid Hoffman, the billionaire co-founder of LinkedIn, has also decided not to continue funding her campaign. However, a Hoffman adviser indicated that they are "reconsidering" this decision due to Haley’s heightened criticisms of Trump, particularly regarding his cognitive abilities.

"If she gains traction with voters before South Carolina, there might be a reason to invest for Super Tuesday," the adviser noted.

Haley, the last remaining Republican challenger to Trump, remains determined to persevere, sparking Trump’s warning to her financial backers through social media. On his platform, he expressed frustration at Haley’s reluctance to exit the race and claimed that any contributions to her campaign would lead to being "permanently barred" from his political circle.

In response, Haley took to social media to encourage donations, saying, "Well in that case … donate here. Let’s Go." A spokesperson for her campaign confirmed the quick fundraising success, noting they raised approximately $1 million since Trump’s post. Haley previously reported raising $24.5 million from October through December.

Dave Thul, a logistics manager from Minnesota who left the Republican Party in 2016, decided to donate $100 to Haley after noticing Trump’s threat. "I didn’t donate previously to Haley because she was kind of wishy-washy on her stance on Trump. She’s taken a different tone in the last couple of days. Her being in the race, and being directly antagonistic towards Trump, increases the possibility that he has more verbal gaffes or lashes out at her in ways that backfire," Thul shared.

Threats to Haley’s donors represent one of the tactics employed by Trump and his campaign to pressure the former governor. Trump’s team has also been working to attract donors to his campaign, offering incentives like one-on-one meetings at his Florida estate.

Some of Haley’s backers have dismissed Trump’s warning. "Whatever," said Eric Levine, a litigator in New York. "He sounds desperate," added venture capitalist Tim Draper. Retail businessman Art Pope affirmed his continued support for Haley.

Sabin criticized Trump’s threat, describing it as indicative of the former president’s "nasty" character, adding that such actions could ultimately backfire. Nonetheless, negative press regarding donor pullbacks could hinder Haley’s momentum and ability to maintain campaign funding.